Aussies still holding out against Microsoft licensing changes

The findings follow indications from Microsoft down under that Aussies were among the most resistant to the changes Microsoft forced on its biggest customers. Up to 63 per cent of Australian IT directors had refused to sign the Licensing and Software Assurance Scheme in early July as the August deadline approached. Only 25 per cent of these have since signed up, reports state.

Now the poll by ZDNet Australia finds that Australian IT managers are seeking out alternatives to Microsoft software, complaining of the increased cost of Microsoft's new deal.

Microsoft admitted to The INQUIRER back in July that it had made many mistakes in communicating the new deal to customers but expected back then to persuade most to adopt the new system. Licensing 6.0 ties in customers to an ongoing subscription-based deal that includes free software upgrades for the lifetime of the agreement.

Yet the Australians are emerging as the most reticent bunch to adopt the new deal and the research seems to confirm our report here that the Queen's loyal subjects down under are increasingly turning to Linux to avoid getting tied up with Microsoft. µ

See also:
Australasians desert Microsoft for Linux
Microsoft claims new licence deal "a massive simplification"
Microsoft licensing deadline looms